UDUPI PARYAYOTSAVA - UDUPI KSHETRA DARSHANA

UDUPI PARYAYOTSAVA

UDUPI KSHETRA DARSHANA

Literally Paryaaya means turn; rotation; alternative; succession etc... In the context of famous Udupi Sri Krishna temple; Paryaaya, one of the three biggest temple events (other two being Sri Krishna Janmaashtami and Sri Madhva Navami) has acquired lot of religious and spiritual significance especially in Madhva fraternity. Sri Madhvacharya, founder of Dvaita/Tattvavaada philosophy was instrumental in establishing the temple of Lord Sri Krishna at Udupi and installation of Sri Bala Krishna vigraha that was worshiped during Dwapara Yuga by Rukmini Devi the prime consort of Lord Sri Krishna.

Procuring the Vigraha was a miracle and forethought of Sri Madhvacharya, third in the lineage of Hanuma-Bheema-Madhva.

Sri Madhvacharya not only installed the Vigraha but also appointed eight of his prime disciples to take forward his legacies and to have continuity to the worship of Lord Sri Krishna by rotation (Paryaaya).

They were... • Sri Hrishikesha Theertharu; • Sri Narasimha Theertharu; • Sri Janardhana Theertharu; • Sri Upendra Theertharu; • Sri Vamana Theertharu; • Sri Vishnu Theertharu; • Sri Rama Theertharu and • Sri Adhokshaja Theertharu These eight Pontiffs later established their own mutts called Ashta Mathas which are named after the surrounding villages where they originally resided/hailed from. These Mutts are... • Palimar Mutt; • Adamaru Mutt; • Krishnapura Mutt; • Puttige Mutt; • Shirur Mutt; • Sode Mutt; • Kaniyoor Mutt; and • Pejavara Mutt; Even today this practice of rotation of worshiping and administering Sri Krishna temple at Udupi is in vogue that takes place once in two years through a ritual known as Paryaaya. Ritual of Paryaya involve... • Amantrana • Bhavya Shobhayatre • Pallakiyalli Mathadheesaru • Kanakana Kindiyalli Sri Krishnana Darshana • Akshaya Patre Hastantara • Sarvajna Shimhasanarohana • Paaryaya DArbar Initially Paryaaya was held once in two months; subsequently changed to once in two years during the period of Sri Vadiraja Theertharu. Traditionally as a token of handing over charge, the outgoing Pontiff will hand over the keys of Lord Sri Krishna temple along with a vessel called Akshaya paathra to the incoming Pontiff. In the temple town of Udupi the seat of Sri Madhvacharya, Paryaaya festival is held around Makara Sankranthi time the sacred day Sri Madhvacharya installed the Vigraha of Lord Sri Krishna (Bala Krishna) at Udupi Kshethra. It is popularly believed that Sri Madhvacharyaru had composed Dwadasa Stotra while installing the Vigraha of BalaKrishna at Udupi. Lots of people from across the country gather on this occasion to witness the unique rituals. Udupi Paryaaya is a big event (biennial) for Madhva fraternity.

Paryaaya indicates the change of guard at Udupi Sri Krishna temple. Sri Visvesha Theertharu senior Pontiff of Pejavara Matha was the only person after Saint Sri VaAdirajaru who held Paryaya for five times. Udupi Paryaaya (worshiping Lord Sri Krishna at Udupi temple) is one of the best traditions being followed that we have come across in Indian religious history uninterrupted for centuries. "Building on this background, I have compiled an exclusive script (yatha-shakti) covering everything you need to know about the world-famous Udupi Paryaya. This document, which includes a dedicated section on Udupi Kshetra Darshana, is now available in PDF format in my digital library for easy downloading and sharing at:

https://archive.org/details/udupi-paryayotsava

As we celebrate the 2026 Shiroor Paryaya, I hope this script helps you connect more deeply with the rituals and history of the famous Udupi Sri Krishna temple. Please feel free to download, share, and reach out with any feedback or suggestions. Your thoughts and reviews are most welcome. On this historic day (18.01.2026) of the Udupi Paryaya transition, I offer this work to the lotus feet of Lord Sri Krishna. May it serve all devotees in their spiritual journey. I hope it enriches your understanding of this sacred tradition. Dhanyavadagalu. Sri Krishnarpanamastu naham karta harih karta bhargavasarma (nirikhi krishna bhagavan)